Yuletide Spectacular

With dozens of participants, Westmont College’s 14th annual Christmas Festival at the First Presbyterian Church was undoubtedly the hottest ticket in town, with four performances staged to cater for the demand.

With the full arsenal of the Montecito college’s music talent on display, including the orchestra, women’s and men’s chorale, and the chamber singers, the two-hour Yuletide spectacular was a glorious blend of traditional carols and other festive works.

Under the capable batons of Michael Shasberger, Grey Brothers, Steve Hodson, and Nichole Dechaine, the talented young musicians put on a beautiful display of classical music, including a rousing rendition of the medieval carol Gaudete and Ngokujabula! sung in Latin and Zulu. wrapping up the sold-out concert with favorites like Ding Dong Merrily on High and Angels From the Realms of Glory.

Always an exuberant and festive kickoff to the holiday season…